Red blight

"Red Blight" by Mary Lamar Knight is a political commentary written in the early 1950s. This work focuses on the dangers of communism, particularly in China, highlighting the author’s observations and experiences as a correspondent in the region. Through her writing, Knight presents a critique of both the Chinese Communist Party and the American response to its rise, suggesting that the interplay of incompetence and political decisions contributed to the issues faced by China during this tumultuous period. At the start of the book, the author establishes her narrative by sharing a personal recollection of her time in China, reflecting on the allure and promises of communism, which she deems impossible to fulfill. The introduction conveys her belief that historical cycles of revolutionary fervor often lead to chaos, supported by anecdotal evidence and historical references. Knight critiques significant political figures, including General George Marshall and Chiang Kai-shek, arguing that their decisions shaped the outcomes in China. She emphasizes her view that American policies and perceptions have inadvertently empowered the spread of communism, prompting her call for clarity and a reevaluation of actions taken during that era.